Chicago & Northwestern Depot
Introduction
Text-to-speech Audio
This depot was constructed in 1890 and operated until the mid-1970s. The Northwestern system began in the Village of Fond du Lac on July 10, 1851, with the construction of the Rock River Valley Union Railroad. The C&NW and other railroads were deeply connected to the growth of area communities and the depot has been restored thanks to the efforts of local citizens and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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The w:Chicago and Northwestern Railroad Depot
Backstory and Context
Text-to-speech Audio
This historic passenger depot, located between Forest Avenue and Second Street, was built in 1890 and was enlarged shortly thereafter. The depot was built to replace the previous depot at Division Street. As the railroad system and Fond du Lac grew, this depot averaged 46 passenger trains and 54 freight trains daily. All passenger services ceased in 1975, and the depot was unused except for its telegraph office. The depot is a classic example of railroad architecture and stands as a monument to the railroading era of the past century. The Chicago & Northwestern Depot was designated a historic landmark in 1975 by the City of Fond du Lac.